Top 10 Fashion Designers in Wisconsin: Midwest Talent with National Style Impact

Introduction: Fashion That Feels Like Wisconsin

Wisconsin might be known for cheese, lakes, and football — but beyond the stereotypes, it has a surprisingly vibrant fashion culture rooted in innovation, sustainability, and individuality. From Milwaukee to Madison, designers are creating everything from elegant eveningwear to upcycled streetwear. In this blog, we spotlight the top 10 fashion designers in Wisconsin, including famous, local, independent, and emerging fashion designers who are shaping the style narrative of the Midwest.

1. Miranda Levy

Based In: Milwaukee, WI
Style: Modern utilitarian, upcycled fashion
Why She Stands Out: A contestant on Project Runway Season 12, Miranda is one of the most famous fashion designers from Wisconsin, known for edgy, structured silhouettes and military-inspired designs.

2. Elina Lebenthal (Loyalti Clothing)

Based In: Madison, WI
Style: Streetwear with a message
Why She Stands Out: Elina blends fashion and activism in a powerful way, using fashion to tell stories of culture and resilience. She’s among the top emerging designers in Wisconsin with a growing national fan base.

3. Mount Mary University Fashion Department

Location: Milwaukee, WI
Why It Matters: Mount Mary has produced dozens of local fashion designers in Wisconsin, and its annual fashion show “CREO” showcases student talent pushing the boundaries of creativity and sustainability.

4. Tiff Massey (Art/Fashion Fusion)

Wisconsin Roots: Formerly exhibited in Milwaukee
Style: Sculptural jewelry and bold fashion art
Why She Stands Out: Though based in Detroit now, Tiff has strong design influence in Wisconsin and has exhibited in fashion-art spaces. She’s often noted among top clothing designers with Wisconsin connections.

5. Azuri Designs (Urszula Szyz)

Based In: Milwaukee, WI
Style: Eveningwear, bridal, and bespoke fashion
Why She Stands Out: Urszula’s couture-inspired brand makes her one of the best fashion designers in Wisconsin for formalwear and custom garments.

6. Milwaukee Fashion Week Designers Collective

Location: Milwaukee, WI
Why It Matters: This event spotlights dozens of independent fashion designers in Wisconsin, helping them gain recognition and grow their brands. Many alumni go on to regional and national fashion shows.

7. Heidi Fendos (Fashion PR + Style Educator)

Based In: Milwaukee, WI
Style: Fashion journalism and branding
Why She Stands Out: While not a traditional designer, Heidi supports many top clothing designers in Wisconsin through brand development, giving her an influential voice in the fashion ecosystem.

8. Rochelle Marie Designs (Rochelle DuPont)

Based In: Racine, WI
Style: Custom urban fashion and event wear
Why She Stands Out: Rochelle’s strong community ties and unique creations place her among the leading fashion designers in Wisconsin, especially in local fashion circles.

9. P’lam Boutique (Jillian Gunderson)

Based In: Madison, WI
Style: Handmade and upcycled clothing
Why She Stands Out: Jillian is one of the rising independent fashion designers in Wisconsin known for sustainable methods and eclectic styling with vintage vibes.

10. Designers from UW–Stout and Madison College Fashion Programs

Why It Matters: These programs serve as key launchpads for the top emerging designers in Wisconsin, often producing talent that appears in Chicago and national showcases.

What Makes Wisconsin Fashion Designers Unique?

✅ Sustainability Focus: Many designers focus on upcycling, zero-waste, and small-batch production
✅ Cultural Influence: Designs often reflect the blend of rural, urban, and immigrant cultures within the state
✅ DIY & Indie Spirit: Wisconsin fashion emphasizes handmade, personal, and independent design
✅ Creative Education: Programs like Mount Mary and UW–Stout cultivate innovation through education
✅ Community Support: Events like Milwaukee Fashion Week and local art fairs amplify homegrown talent

FAQs About Fashion Designers in Wisconsin

Q1. Who is the most famous fashion designer from Wisconsin?
Miranda Levy, a Project Runway alum based in Milwaukee, is widely recognized on the national fashion stage.

Q2. Are there independent designers in Wisconsin worth following?
Yes — designers like Elina Lebenthal, Jillian Gunderson, and Rochelle Marie are excellent examples of independent fashion designers in Wisconsin.

Q3. What cities in Wisconsin have the most fashion activity?
Milwaukee and Madison are the major hubs, but Racine, Green Bay, and other cities are seeing growing fashion scenes.

Q4. How can I support local fashion designers in Wisconsin?
Attend local fashion shows, shop online or at pop-up boutiques, and follow designers on Instagram or Etsy.

Conclusion: Wisconsin’s Fashion Scene is Ready for the Spotlight

Whether you’re into eco-fashion, custom couture, or creative streetwear, the fashion designers in Wisconsin bring originality, community, and intention to their work. As the state continues to nurture new talent and build local fashion events, the future of Wisconsin style looks more inspiring than ever.

Support handmade. Celebrate Midwest talent. Discover the next wave of Wisconsin fashion.